Humming/Droning Front Wheel Noise!!

**wrightypm** · 24-10-2007,05:45 AM

My 2001 Passat 2.0s saloon has recently developed what I can only describe as a humming/droning noise accompanied, occasionally, by a slight vibration felt through the steering wheel. This noise is most distinct at around 40mph but at higher speeds it also seems to oscillate a bit,from the near side wheel.

At first I thought that this might be caused by my front tyres out-of-balance front driveshaft, or perhaps a shot wheel bearing. However as this noise has been present for around 1,500 miles now I think that if the noise had been driveshaft or wheel bearing related then this would have manifested itself much more obviously by now.

The noise doesn't seem to be getting any worse and, in fact, sometimes it's hardly noticeable. It also seems to make no difference if the car is in gear or freewheeling.

Any ideas?

**PCDoctor** · 27-06-2009,07:52 PM

This sounds like exactly the same problem i have - did you get a fix on this fault

**snapdragon** · 27-06-2009,08:44 PM

Me too, I think it's the wheel bearings. It doesn't bother me too much, but might if it get's worse.

**PCDoctor** · 27-06-2009,10:25 PM

Bad news is i had both Near side wheel bearings replaced and it is now worse

Garage is thinking gearbox bearing

Should know by Tuesday

**dom2005w** · 29-06-2009,06:37 PM

Hi

Any body found what this noise is, as mine is doing it. Don't think it is the wheel bearing as turning corners does not affect it.

Dom

**wrightypm** · 19-07-2009,09:09 AM

I never got a fix on this and the car is still making the same noise never gets louder.I did take it to a local garage who is excellent and does all my work for me,he had a look and said he could not find anything wrong but the noise could be a bearing in the gearbox,which would cost a lot to repair !!!!!

**PCDoctor** · 19-07-2009,10:19 AM

Well the story so far :- 2 New wheel bearings fitted, 2 New drive shafts and 1 new gear box....

Still makes a noise when turning left or right above 40+ mph and you only have to turn the steering wheel slightly say 2 inches either way

Tried swapping the front wheels round yesterday using the spare and still the same.....

Nightmare

When it starts humming particulary at 50 mph you can feel it in the stearing wheel and gearstick

Helpppppppppp

**Eugheugh** · 20-07-2009,09:55 AM

Originally Posted by PCDoctor

Well the story so far :- 2 New wheel bearings fitted, 2 New drive shafts and 1 new gear box....

Still makes a noise when turning left or right above 40+ mph and you only have to turn the steering wheel slightly say 2 inches either way

Tried swapping the front wheels round yesterday using the spare and still the same.....

Nightmare

When it starts humming particulary at 50 mph you can feel it in the stearing wheel and gearstick

Helpppppppppp

I've had a slight droning sound for the last 30 K miles. No, not the missus.

First appeared at speeds above 70 mph on the Motorway and now it's speeds above 50. It's barely noticeable on some surfaces. A very experienced mechanic and gearbox specialist friend is fairly sure it's the fr wheel bearings but we couldn't get them to rumble by turning left or right in the usual manner that would indicate that it's the wheel bearings. I've bought a pair ready to fit but not had the time so far. I'd be very interested to hear from anyone who's got to the bottom of it. Oh, and incidentally my car is on 212K miles so I'm not expecting miracles.

**PCDoctor** · 20-07-2009,05:53 PM

Hi all

Been back to garage this morning and swapped front wheels with rear and still the same..

He has just ordered 2 genuine Wheel bearings for wednesday fitting...

I Said to him if i had just met you and this was your first diagnosis you would say wheel bearings were to blame and he agreed so fingers crossed

I Cant believe by turning the steering wheel 2 or 3 degrees left or right would cause so much noise, cars cost a fortune and can't live without them well some of us cant

**PCDoctor** · 22-07-2009,06:29 PM

Its Fixed - Its Fixed - I Can't believe its fixed

Had the car 5 weeks and in the garage for 4 weeks

Guess what

Front Wheel bearings faulty well not upto the job

Went in monday and insisted on them fitting Genuine VW bearings and bingo its cured

You can see from above what has been changed and to find out the original parts that were replaced were to blame well I'm chuffed and best of all it has not cost me a penny Good old AA insurance and the company i bought it off

As you can see i'm over the moon

Next job is the budgie under the bonnet that needs some tension